big girls don’t cry

“Big Girls Don’t Cry” questions gendered and socialized views of romantic relationships, love and marriage. Is this model of life even something that I want, or simply something that all little girls are expected to dream about? How many of my goals and ideas surrounding relationships and commitment are my own, and how many were forced upon me by resounding western society and culture? How do I know what I truly need, versus what everyone else tells me I want? Will a diamond ring pacify these uncomfortable feelings? Will a big wedding and all the attention that comes with it quiet me down, and keep me from crying?